USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII > Part 42
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The following extracts from the report of Judge Geddes upon his survey of the West Branch and Sin- nemahoning will give a just idea of the character of those streams.
Speaking of the Sinnemahoning he says:
" Margins of arable land bosomed among the moun- tains are found along the stream, sometimes very narrow, but seldom too narrow, or too circumscribed for the ad- venturous mountaineer to set a house on. Instead of roads, they, on the water with their canoes, convey ev- ery thing. If a wagon is found on some of the best farms, it was brought there by water and is destined to move only on the ground of the owner, or perhaps to his next neighbor. A pack horse path has been made through the whole of this seventy-one miles, and the canal line is run on the same side, always crossing the stream with the path. At very many of the narrows, the same side of the stream cannot be occupied by both the road and the canal; a width for both would fill up the whole water course. A canal being made here a road, and one for carriages too, would be indispen-
1833.]
PERILOUS ADVENTURE.
141
sable,and it must be made on the opposite side from the canal, and at a great expense."
Of the West Branch he says-
"Another unlooked for character in the West Branch, is there being deep still water at the foot of all the high rocky precipices, which have their bases wash- ed by the stream; throwing the canal consequently into the river bed. The stream here, has made its way along the valleys among the mountains, and not across their course as below Northumberland, and no rocks run across the bottom to the opposite shore. Where the river runs at the steep mountain's base, a section of the earth would show the same degree of steepness, be- low the water's surface, that is seen above it; the bottom being a formation from the disintegrated rocks above. At one place the wall to support the canal along the the face of the rocks, would be based in water thirteen feet deep. The depth of the water and the height of the flood-line will, in some places, require a wall full thirty feet high.
Below Sunbury, a contrary feature is uniformly found to prevail; the river runs across the ranges of moun- tains, and having passed over low places in them, has carried away all that was soluble; the rocks remaining make rapids and shallow water opposite all the narrows. This character of the Susquehanna continues not only to the mouth of Juniata, but to tide."
The Pennsylvania system of internal improvement embraces a canal along the West Branch from North- umberland to the mouth of Bald Eagle creek. This will afford an outlet to the Iron of Centre, Lycoming, and Union counties, which exists in immense quantities, and ; is of excellent quality. The southern counties of New York are at this time supplied with iron from the same region. The traffic is carried on in the winter season, by means of sleds, which come in, loaded with salt, and take back a return cargo of iron. The bituminous coal of the West Branch, extending over a large part of Ly- coming, Centre, and Clearfield counties, will also con- stitute an important item in the trade of the canal. Add to this the agricultural produce of the rich country be- tween Pine creek and Northumberland, and there can be no reason to doubt that the state will receive a rich return for its expenditure on the canal.
In our next we shall follow the Susquehanna from Northumberland to tide-water.
STATEMENT OF TOLLS taken at the State bridge at Clark's Ferry since its completion, in 1830.
In 1831, quarter ending January
$1212 06
April,
1045 10
July,
1348 23
October,
808 23
Total for 1831,
4,416 62
In 1832, *quarter ending January,
578 06
April,
783 85
July,
1056 59
October,
740 75
3159 25
In 1833, quarter ending January,
906 54
April,
898 65
July,
1203 00
3007 19
Harrisburg Chronicle.
PERILOUS ADVENTURE.
David Morgan, a relation of the celebrated General Daniel Morgan, who had settled upon the Monongahela,
* Note-The bridge was impassable for nearly two months.
during the earlier part of the Revolutionary war, at this time had ventured to occupy a cabin at the distance of several miles from any settlement. One morning in May, 1781, having sent his youngest children out to a field at a considerable distance from the house, he be- came uncasy about them, and repaired to the spot where they were working, armed as usual with a good rifle. While sitting upon the fence, and giving some directions as to their work, he observed two Indians on the other side of the field, gazing earnestly upon the party. He instantly called to the children to make their escape, while he should attempt to cover their retreat. The odds were greatly against him, as in addition to other circumstances; he was nearly seventy years of age, and of course unable to contend with his enemies in run- ning. The house was more than a mile distant, but the children having two hundred yards the start, and being effectually covered by their father, were soon so far in front, that the Indians turned their attention en- tirely to the old man. He ran for several hundred yards with an activity which astonished himself, but perceiving that he would be overtaken, he fairly turned at bay, and prepared for a strenuous resistance. The woods through which they were running were very thin, and consisted almost entirely of small trees, behind which it was difficult to obtain proper shelter- When Morgan adopted the above mentioned resolution, he had just passed a large walnut tree, which stood like a patriarch among the sapplings which surrounded it, and it became necessary to run back about ten steps in or- der to regain it. The Indians became startled at the sudden advance of the fugitive, and were compelled to halt among a cluster of sapplings, where they anxiously strove to shelter themselves. This, however, was im- possible, and Morgan, who was an excellent marksman, saw enough of one of them to justify him in risking a shot. His enemy instantly fell, mortally wounded. The other Indian taking advantage of Morgan's empty gun, sprung from his shelter and advanced rapidly. The man having no time to reload his gun, was compelled to fly a second time. The Indian gained rapidly upon him, and when within twenty steps, fired, but with so unsteady an aim, that Morgan struck with the butt of his gun, and the Indian whirled his tomahawk at one and the same moment. Both blows took effect-and both were at once wounded and disarmed. The breech of the rifle was broken against the Indian's skull, and the edge of the tomahawk was shattered against the barrel of the rifle, having cut off two of the fingers of Morgan's left hand. The Indian then attempted to draw his knife: Morgan grappled him and bore him to the ground. A furious struggle ensued, in which the old man's strength failed, and the Indian succeeded in turning him,-planting his knee on the breast of his enemy, and yelling loudly, as is usual with them upon any turn of fortune; he again felt for his knife in order to termi- nate the struggle at once-but having lately stolen a woman's apron, and tied it around his waist, his knife was so much confined, that he had great difficulty in finding the handle. Morgan, in the mean time, being a regular pugilist, according to the custom of Virginia. and perfectly at home in a ground struggle, took ad- vantage of the awkwardness of the Indian, and got one of the fingers of his right hand between his teeth. The Indian tugged and roared in vain, struggling to extri- cate it. Morgan held him fast, and began to assist him in hunting for the knife. Each seized it at the same mo- ment, the Indian by the blade, and Morgan by the han- dle, but with a slight hold. The Indian having the firmest hold, began to draw the knife further out of its sheath, when Morgan suddenly giving his finger a fu- rious bite, twitched the knife dexterously through his hand, cutting it severely. Both now sprung to their feet, Morgan brandishing his adversary's knife, and still holding his fingers between his teeth. In vain the poor Indian struggled to get away-rearing, plunging, and bolting like an unbroken colt. The teeth of the white
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MISCELLANEOUS.
[AUGUST
man were like a vice, and he at length succeeded in giving him a stab in the side. The Indian received it without falling, the knife having struck his ribs; but a second blow, aimed at the stomach, proved more effec- tual, and the savage fell. Morgan thrust the knife, handle, and all, into the cavity of the body, directed up- wards, and starting on his feet, made the best of his way home. The neighborhood was quickly alarmed, and hurrying to the spot where the struggle had taken place, they found the first Indian lying where he had fallen-but the second had disappeared, A broad trail of blood, however, conducted to a fallen tree top, with- in one hundred yards of the spot, into which the poor fellow had dragged himself, and where he now lay bleeding, but still alive. He had plucked the knife from his wound, and was endeavoring to dress it with the apron which had cost him his life, when his enemies approached. The love of life appeared still strong with- in him, however. He greeted them with what was in- tended for an insinuating smile, held out his hand, and exclaimed in broken English, "how de do, broder! how de do! glad to see you!" But, poor fellow, the love was all on his side. Their brotherhood extended only to tomahawking, scalping, and skinning him, all of which operations were performed within a few minutes after the meeting-to such an extent had mutual injury inflamed both parties .- Sketches of Western Adventure.
From the United States Gazette. CORRESPONDENCE
Between the Rev. WILLIAM H. DE LANCEY, D. D., late Provost, and the FACULTY OF ARTS, of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA, June 8, 1833. To the Faculty of Arts of the University of Pennsyl- vania.
Gentlemen,-Having resigned the relation of Profes- sor and Provost, by which I was associated with your body; I feel constrained to take advantage of the oc- casion of communicating that fact to you, to express the sentiments of regret which I cannot but indulge at se- parating from gentlemen with whom I have so long and so harmoniously co-operated in the affairs of the college. Although we came together as entire strangers to each other, yet it is peculiarly gratifying to reflect, that dur- ing the whole period of our intercourse, extending through nearly five years, there has not been the slight- est discord in our counsels or proceedings; all has been peaceful, united, and friendly co-operation, and we now separate as personal friends.
In the arduous and trying duties of my particular sta- tion, I have received from you all, such uniform mani- festations of respect and kindness, and such cordial support, as to convert official gratitude into personal regard, and to superadd to the high opinion which I entertain of your talents, assiduity, and faithfulness, as professors, the higher and stronger sentiments of affec- tion for you as friends.
I need not assure you of my continued interest in the University. I should do injustice to the College and to the public, as well as to you, did I ever hesitate in ex- pressing my full conviction of your ample ability to sus- tain the institution in a high character, if your efforts are seconded by this community in any proportion to your zeal and capacity in conducting its instructions and ma- naging its discipline.
I can utter no better wish for my successor, than that he may enjoy the same delightful harmony which I have been privileged to share, and may terminate his official career with as much cordial and valuable friendship as I have derived from the important station which I have just resigned. Accept, gentlemen, my warmest wishes for your individual welfare, and professional success;
and be assured, that few things could afford me greater pleasure than being allowed to subscribe myself Your faithful friend, WILLIAM H. DE LANCEY.
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, July 28, 1833.
Rev. and dear Sir,-Our collegiate year having clos- ed, I hasten to fulfil the duty of communicating the re- solutions unanimously adopted by the members of the Faculty of Arts, on the receipt of your letter to them. While the occasion excites the deepest regret, it affords me pleasure to be the medium of communication of the sentiments of respect and esteem of your late col- leagues.
"At a meeting of the members of the Faculty of Arts, June 11, 1833, a letter from the Rev. W . H. De Lancey having been read, the following resolutions were unani- mously adopted:
Resolved, That in justice to their own feelings, the Faculty must express the sentiments of respect and es- teem to which their intercourse with the Provost has given rise, sentiments first suggested by his amenity of manners and dignified address, and confirmed by ob- servation of the sterling qualities which the circum- stances of the last five years have developed.
Resolved, That while engaged in the common pur- pose of establishing in our Institution an elevated sys- tem of Collegiate education, the Faculty have had occasion to admire Dr. De Lancey's peculiar qualifica- tions as a presiding officer, his coolness and decision, his promptness and energy, tempered always by kind- ness, in the application of discipline, and that these sen- timents of official respect have been accompanied by those of personal regard.
Resolved, That the harmony in the deliberations and measures of the Faculty, a natural result of community of feeling and purpose, and to which the letter of the Provost so happily refers, is a subject of reflection high- ly gratifying to the Faculty.
Resolved, That the members of the Faculty will cherish a memory of the feelings expressed by the Rev. Dr. De Lancey,and will find in the continued interest he has pledged, a new incentive to the exertions refer- red to by him in such kind and flattering terms.
The members of the Faculty appreciating the sense of duty which has led the Rev. Wm. H. De Lancey to resign his office in the University with a view to devote himself exclusively to a spiritual charge, individually wish him all happiness, and the success which may be expected from zealous and well directed labours.
Communicated by request on behalf of the members of the Faculty of Arts.
In conclusion, I beg you to accept the sentiments of respect and esteem with which I am, reverend sir, Very truly yours,
ALEX. DALLAS BACHE,
Secretary of the Faculty of Arts. To Rev. Wm. H. De Lancey, D. D., late Provost of the University of Pennsylvania.
NAVIGATION .- Dr. William Howard of the United States' Engineer Corps, with his assistants, has arrived at Pittsburg for the purpose of making a re-survey of the Monongahela river from Pittsburg to Brownsville, for the purpose of ascertaining the expense of rendering it navigable for steam boats at all seasons of the year. This measure is deemed highly important to Pittsburg as well as to the state generally. - Commercial Herald.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT .- It becomes our unpleasant task to record a fatal accident which occurred at Nesque- honing last evening, August 23d, by which the death of one man was occasioned, and another was badly hurt. We are informed that Mr. Barber, the engineer, with three other men, (miners) were descending the second inclined plane from the Room Run mines in some empty
143
MISCELLANEOUS.
1833.]
cars, when the miners became alarmed at their velocity and imprudently undertook to jump out, in doing which, one was precipitated with great violence into a gutter which passes under the plane, and so shockingly bruised and mangled that he died soon after. His name was Thomas Barrett.
Another miner was severely bruised but the third escaped without material injury. Mr. Barber was left to hold the friction brake alone, but succeeded in ar- resting the progress of the cars at the foot of the plane, and escaped injury entirely .- Mauch Chunk Courier.
From the Commercial Herald.
PENNSYLVANIA CANAL .- Number of boats cleared, on the Delaware division, at Bristol from the 15th to the 22d inst.
15th, 25 boats,
Tolls, $44 80
16th, 23 do
do
140 03
17th, 20 do
do
94 33
18th, 19 do
do
70 22
19th, 5
do
do 41 59
20th, 24
do
do 129 52
21st, 18 do
do
63 24
22d, 24
do
do
82 09
158
$673 82
Passed from Easton during this month up to the 22d
inst.
305 boats,
Toll, $5130 73
New Hope, 15 do
do
99 07
Bristol, 398 do
do
1581 16
$6810 96
Total amount of Toll received on this canal up to the 22d,
$22,792 23
SCHUYLKILL COAL TRADE .- Despatched during the past week ending 23d inst.
158 boats, carrying
3182 boats (last report)
6,435 tons. 133,626 tons.
3340
140,061
491 boats,
20,697
3831 boats,
total, 160,758 tons.
LEHIGH COAL TRADE .- Despatched from Mauch Chunk for the week ending 23d of August ---
85 boats, carrying 4,043 tons.
1408 former report, 62,006
1493 boats,
total, 66,049 tons.
DELAWARE AND HUDSON COAL TRADE .- Amount of coal despatched from Honesdale, 50,490 tons.
From the above statements it will be seen that from the Pennsylvania mines there have been despatched du- ring the present season 277,297 tons of coal, which at six dollars per ton, amounts to one million six hundred and sixty-three thousand seven hundred and eighty- two dollars.
REMINISCENCES .- In the 5th number of the 1st volume of the Pittsburg Gazette, there is a long and well writ- ten article in favor of making Pittsburg the seat of jus- tice for a new county, and the inconvenience to which the inhabitants were subjected by being compelled to travel to Greensburg, to attend court as jurors or witnesses, is greatly complained of. In 1788, an act was passed, creating the county of Allegheny, but mak- ing Allegheny the seat of justice-thiis, however, was soon altered, and Pittsburg was permanently fixed up- on in 1791.
following extract of a letter from Philadelphia, dated Sept. 14, 1786, from which it appears that, up to that time, there was no regular mail to this place, the inhabi- tants having to depend upon travellers, or upon ex- presses, sent upon extraordinary occasions.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, dated
" September 14, 1786.
" Mr. Brison is just returned from New York with orders to establish a post from this place 'to Pittsburg, and one from Virginia to Bedford, the two to meet at Bedford; from thence one will proceed to Pittsburg. I also understand there will be other internal posts esta- blished throughout this state."-Pitts. Gaz.
COMMERCE OF PHILADELPHIA .- Arrivals at this port, during the months of April, May, June, and July, of the present year. In this statement a considerable num- ber of vessels engaged in the transportation of wood, coal, and merchandize are not included.
Ships.
Barques
Brigs.
Sch'rs.
Sloops.
Total.
Arrivals in April,
11
45 220
37 313
May,
8
2
70
230
23
333
June,
8
7
61
229
25 330
July,
14
3
84
252
54 407
Total,
41
12 260
931 139 1383
The largest number ofarrivals in any one day, during that period, was four brigs, thirty-eight schooners, and one sloop,on the 13th May-on the 14th June, the arrivals consisted of two ships, one barque, six brigs, sixteen schooners, and one sloop .- Commercial Herald.
PROGRESS OF IMPROVEMENT IN NEWSPAPERS .- In September, 1325, the Pittsburgh Gazette was issued, weekly, upon a super royal sheet. The form was five columns wide, as our daily paper is now, and about one half inch longer than our present daily paper. Then the paper, coming once a week, was considered large enough-now, a sheet of almost precisely the same size, coming daily, is, by some, thought rather too small. Truly the times have changed, and we have changed with them .- P. Gaz.
From the Montrose Volunteer.
SINGULAR .- The following circumstance has been related to us as having lately occurred in the neighbor- hood of Tunkhannock, Luzerne county. We do not vouch for the correctness of the story, though it is said to be strictly true.
A little child begged of its mother a piece of cake, and on receiving it immediately went out of the house. A short time afterwards, the mother sought the child, whom she found a little way from the house amusing itself with feeding the cake to a large rattlesnake. The snake, with its head elevated nearly the height of the child's head, was receiving with much apparent satis- faction from the hands of the unconscious child, the crumbs of cake which it broke off and put it into its snakeship's mouth. The alarm of the mother, as might reasonably be expected, was very great on seeing her child put its fingers into the mouth of so dangerous a creature as the rattlesnake; but retaining a proper presence of mind, she persuaded the child to come to her, and then pursued and killed the snake.
IRON ORE, AGAIN .- We had occasion once before to mention the discovery of iron ore of good quality, as well as of 'a plentiful quantity lying along Clearfield creek, in this county, and principally on the lands of Richardson and Campbell, who are engaged in the ma-
In the Gazette of October 7th, 1786, we noticed the | nufacture of FIRE PROOF BRICKS; the Fire Clay Clunch:
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MISCELLANEOUS.
[AUGUST
or as it is more familiarly known by Soap Stone, from which the brick is made, is found in the same hill with stone coal, and the soap stone vein, as we are informed by one of the owners, is found to be 12 feet thick, and forms a regular stratum through the hill. The oven in which the brick is burned is after the English plan, measuring sixteen feet high and 12 in diameter, and heated by bituminous stone coal, containing 9 grates, and will burn at one time 26,000. The introduction of this valuable article of manufacture into the Baltimore and Philadelphia markets during the last spring, has, we are glad to observe, excited the attention and inqui- ry of some of the enterprising capitalists of these places, who have lately taken measures to ascertain what in- ducement there is to prosecute the business on a larger scale. A great desideratum in carrying on manufac- tures of this kind in the back countries, has been the want of a convenient mode of getting to market; the place where this is found, however, while it lies along a navigable stream, will be benefitted by the Philipsburg rail road passing within six or seven miles of it-the transportation on it will therefore be found to answer the purpose.
One of the men engaged in this manufacture is a man of great experience, being well acquainted with the business before he left England; and by examination, has found that the clunch is the same which is used there. With regard to the iron ore mentioned, he as- sures us there is a sufficient quantity to keep in blast a number of furnaces, and that the facilities in extracting it are worthy of attention. We think that upon the whole, men of capital could not direct their attention to a more promising section of the State. Messrs. Rich- ardson & Campbell are known to be men of great en- terprise, and we are rejoiced to hear that their business is likely to prove profitable .- Clearfield Banner.
HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.
PHILADELPHIA, Agust 26.
Sir,-The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will hold its Fifth Annual Exhibition at the Masonic Hall, Chesnut street, on Wednesday and Thursday the 11th and 12th of September.
The purposes of the Society are known to be purely patriotic, its sole object being to advance the public good, by improving the practice and productions of Horticulture.
The Committee charged with the preparatory ar- rangements for the Exhibition, solicit your contributions; and should you be unable personally to furnish any thing towards the contemplated display you may perhaps essentially aid by extending the notice of this circu- lar.
Fruits, flowers, and Culinary Vegetables are all em- braced in the intended exhibition; and specimens of either, of a quality meriting distinction, will be thank- fully received and publicly acknowledged .- When transmitted from a distance, by public conveyance, the Society will cheerfully defray the cost of transportation. They may be addressed to Messrs. D. & C. Landreth's Seed Warehouse, No. 85 Chesnut street.
To prevent confusion it will be necessary to present all but the Bouquets on Tuesday the 11th. The lat- ter may be furnished on the mornings of the days of Exhibition.
Respectfully,
JOSEPH PRICE, W. W. FISHER, GEORGE W. COATES, J. W. BURROWS, DAVID S. BROWN, WILLIAM H. KEATING, M. C. COPE, Committee of Superintendence.
REFORM CONVENTION.
A morning paper states that the number of delegates to the Reform state Convention, now in attendance at Harrisburg, is sixteen, five of whom are from the coun- ty of Philadelphia. The Convention organized by ap- pointing the Hon. George Kremer, of Union county, President; J. McClintock, of Columbia, and Mahlon Ortlip, of Philadelphia, Vice Presidents; and H. K- Strong, of Dauphin, and W. J. Mullen, of Philadelphia, Secretaries. It has been agreed to recommend to the people that the constitution be so altered as to diminish the appointing power of the Governor, and to establish a negative in relation to it. 2. To abolish offices for life. 3. To extend the enjoyment of the rights of suf- frage. 4. To elect a greater proportion of public offi- cers directly by the people. 5. To shorten the term of office, and limit the eligibility, of state senators. 6. To provide a mode for submitting future amendments to the people.
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